A survey of European-based solar installers has revealed discontent over the idea of penalties potentially being imposed on Chinese-made modules after the EU Commission completes its investigation in anti-dumping charges.
The EuPD Research survey sought the views of 120 European installers.
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Dr. Thomas Olbrecht, head of sales at EuPD Research said: “Our survey clearly shows that the majority of installation companies are against the introduction of search measures. The most widely used arguments brought up by installers against protective tariffs are that these measures would endanger their business models, and that a general price increase would be likely to occur. Many installers therefore fear that some European products could thus be affected by the punitive measures due to their use of Chinese suppliers.”
The survey points out that, as PV Tech recently highlighted, installers have been forced to switch to buying modules from European suppliers or from trade wholesalers and distributors instead of dealing direct and importing modules from Chinese producers due to the possible retroactive tariffs.
PV installers were said to want better communication from Chinese producers about the possible effects tariffs would have on module supply and future prices.
Installers also complained about the mainstream media focusing on the anti-dumping case along party political lines rather than being objective when covering the case.